Vegan Organic Network
Events
The Manchester Festival of Nature
The Vegan Organic Network is excited to showcase the incredible benefits of sprouting and microgreens at this year’s Festival of Nature, demonstrating how veganic gardening is possible even without a garden.
Location: Heaton Park, Stables Cafe, St Margaret’s Road, M25 2SWDate: June 29th, 2025 Times: 12noon to 4pmPollinator Parade to start at 1pmThe Manchester Festival of Nature is the place for people to meet the wild plants and creatures that inhabit the city and its surroundings, organised by the Manchester Nature Consortium.
The Manchester Festival of Nature 2025 is a celebration of arts, craft and musical activities with a wildlife theme. It is renowned for introducing visitors to the brilliant nature of Manchester. And it is a hands-on experience for families looking keen to understand more about the natural world on their doorsteps.
It will be the fifth live festival, with between 5,000-7,000 people turning up at Heaton Park in 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and, hopefully, the sun will shine and even more people will join us.
Activities will include natural dyeing, mindfulness, forest bathing, , wildlife recording, wind spinners, woodland games, willow weaving, seed bombs, scavenger hunts, den building, sphagnum squeezing and lots more. There will music adding to the great atmosphere.
The festival will begin at noon, with the LEGENDARY POLLINATOR PARADE taking place from 1-1:30pm. It will end at 4pm.
Veganic Gardeners Question Time 25th June 2025
Ever wanted to know how to grow organically using only plant-based fertilisers? Our monthly show is here to help!
Send your questions to: events@veganorganic.net
Wednesday 25th June 2025 7pm-7.45pm UK
Click here to watch for free on YouTube
The panel:
Giles Bryant: Giles is the founder of World Healing Project who have promoted wellbeing initiatives around the world for 20 years this September. Giles has helped plant many veganic gardens, orchards, forest gardens and medicinal herb gardens. He has been presenting Veganic Gardeners Time for several years and loves gardening, yoga and nature. Giles is an author, music producer and songwriter who has written and recorded many albums of healing music. www.worldhealingproject.com
Meg Kelly: Is an avid veganic gardener. She co-founded the Veganic Agriculture Network in 2008 and teaches the Learn Veganic Online Gardening Course. Meg organises the Veganic Summit, a free 3-day online event about veganic gardening and farming, and Learn Veganic has a great range of free veganic growing resources. www.learnveganic.com
Piers Warren: Conservationist, film-maker, author and keen grower of organic fruit and vegetables. He is the founder of Wildeye – The International School of Wildlife Film-making. Author of several books, including How To Store Your Garden Produce and co-author of The Vegan Cook and Gardener. For more about Piers visits www.pierswarren.co.uk
Keith Robertson: Founder of the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine at Drimlabarra Herb Farm on the Isle of Arran. Established in 2000, the farm is run on Veganic principles and organic philosophy. It is a Vegan sanctuary and retreat centre, dedicated to researching planetary health via herbal treatments, diet, cooking and raw food and practical hands-on green living. The focus is on community building and cooperation. People can participate through workshops, individual consultations, apprenticeships and open day visits. For more visit www.veganherbal.com
Veganic Gardeners’ Question Time hopes to inspire and bring new ideas to foragers, growers and gardeners alike.
Now more than ever it is vital that we engage with how our food is grown.
Vegan Abundance Festival 2025
Abundance Festival at Hulme Vegan Organic Garden Centre in the Heart of Manchester.
Get ready for a festival that celebrates community, sustainability, and creativity! Abundance Festival 2025 is a vibrant showcase of local talent, environmental groups, and eco-conscious living .
Live Music– A fantastic lineup of local musicians will keep the good vibes flowing all day long!
Fun for All Ages – Walk the tightrope, spin a plate, juggle (all at once if you’re feeling brave!), and don’t forget to get your face painted first!
Try Something New – Join a yoga or tai chi session, relax at a gong bath, or hop on a pedal-powered rickshaw.
Vegan Food Heaven – Feast on an incredible selection of vegan food, drinks, cakes, and treats from top local caterers.
Why Vegan? – This all-vegan event is a chance to explore why plant-based living is so important—not just for personal health but for the health of our planet. Learn how small changes can make a big impact!
Get Crafty – Try your hand at willow basket-making and other creative workshops (more details to come!).
Get Inspired! – Explore stalls from community groups and environmental charities, packed with info on how we can all make a difference for the planet.
Thought-Provoking Talks
How does manifestation really work? – What can I do to create a life of purpose, joy and abundance? In this practical talk, based on his new book, Giles Bryant shares 30 years of research to help you achieve the life of your dreams.
The Keys to Vitality: Superfoods & Medicinal Mushrooms Join Juliette Bryant for an inspiring journey into the world of superfoods and medicinal mushrooms. Discover how these powerful allies from nature can help you boost immunity, balance stress, enhance brain function, and support long-term wellbeing. From Reishi to Lion’s Mane, from spirulina to cacao – Juliette shares practical tips, ancient wisdom, and modern research to help you thrive in harmony with the Earth. Perfect for anyone seeking more energy, clarity, and natural ways to support their health in today’s world, with Juliette Bryant – Nutritionist, Author & Earth Wisdom Keeper. https://www.juliettebryant.com/
Introduction to Planet Friendly Gardening – Ready to make your garden greener? You will learn eco-friendly techniques to grow a thriving, nature-friendly garden. Learn about organic ways to feed your vegetables, fruits and herbs, how to encourage wildlife and discourage pests, and how you can contribute to a healthier planet by building soil and promoting biodiversity.
Workshops:
Sprouting Workshop with the Growing Nature Academy- Discover the power of sprouting! Sprouts are packed with nutrients and can be easily grown at home using just a jar and a windowsill. Visit our stand to learn all about sprouting and sample a variety of delicious sprouts, including lentil, mung bean, chickpea, and broccoli sprouts. In our hands-on workshop, you fill a plant pot with soil, plant pre-sprouted marrowfat peas, and give them a good water. You take your pot home, place it on a sunny windowsill, and watch the sprouts grow—ready to harvest in just eight days!
Willow Weaving: Cherry Chung is a Manchester based basket maker and willow artist. She first learned how to make baskets in 1996, and mainly uses native materials such as willow, bark and rushes to make basketry, living installations and sculpture.
Live Music and Poetry
Calypso George and friends will be playing : African, Caribbean, and Mento music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyAriRi9n6E
The Perpetual Choirs Giles & Juliette Bryant will share songs of the Earth, community and healing. Expect joyful harmonies and uplifting songs. Giles created the VON award-winning song, Wildlife Emergency.
Green Manc songs of resistance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlsnA1Roivo
Bicho Cezar – Allotment Rap https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2b669ngYDU
Amy-Michelle writes and performs songs that speak to the beauty of belief, the depth of connection, and the journey of growing up with purpose. Youtube
Naomi Kalu: A rising star in Manchester’s grassroots music scene, Naomi Kalu blends soulful storytelling with an eclectic mix of indie, folk and alternative influences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42lLn331_Xg&t=6s
Andrew J. Boyer Jazz Trio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cos8oL0C64c
More talks and workshops to be announced!
Buy TicketsTo book a stall please email events@veganorganic.net
Veganic Gardeners Question Time Wednesday 28th May 2025
Ever wanted to know how to grow organically using only plant-based fertilisers? Our monthly show is here to help!
Send your questions to: events@veganorganic.net
Wednesday 28th May 2025 7pm-7.45pm
Click here to watch free on YouTube
The panel:
Giles Bryant: Giles is the founder of World Healing Project who have promoted wellbeing initiatives around the world for 20 years this September. Giles has helped plant many veganic gardens, orchards, forest gardens and medicinal herb gardens. He has been presenting Veganic Gardeners Time for several years and loves gardening, yoga and nature. Giles is a music producer and songwriter who has written and recorded many albums of healing music. His latest release is UNITY by The Perpetual Choirs. Giles is the author of two books, Sacred Sites Sacred Songs and this year’s release, The Mechanics of Manifestation. www.worldhealingproject.com
Ellen Mary: Ellen Is a horticultural radio show host, TV presenter and writer. She has travelled all over the world to discuss the benefits that nature provides to our wellbeing – specifically gardening. She is the author of The Joy of Gardening and How To Grow A Garden. She is the founder of People Plants Wellbeing providing nature therapy, integrative wellness & spiritual healing www.ellenmarygardening.co.uk/
Juliette Bryant: Juliette is a nutritional therapist, superfood alchemist and plant-lover. She runs Juliette’s Kitchen teaching courses, creating products and sharing her love of the earth and the power of plants and mushrooms. She is the author of 4 books, her latest being 7 Magical Mushrooms. She has travelled the world learning about the medicinal and spiritual properties of plants. She lives in Suffolk with her family and has a very productive veganic vegetable and herb garden. www.juliettebryant.com
Claire Turner: Claire is a trainee herbalist and veganic gardener with a focus on perennial plants. Having grown up on a conventional farm, Claire’s journey to veganic growing has taken in many different approaches, from orcharding, to community food growing and working with young people, the food sovereignty movement, market gardening, community supported agriculture and forest gardening. It is in the veganic approach that Claire has found the most alignment with the value of non-violence. Claire is especially interested in working with locally-grown medicinal plants, as a vegan alternative to the animal testing involved in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Claire has established Ahimsa Apothecary Herbals to sell medicinal plants grown without chemicals or animal products and herbal products.
Veganic Gardeners’ Question Time hopes to inspire and bring new ideas to foragers, growers and gardeners alike.
Now more than ever it is vital that we engage with how our food is grown.
Tune into our show and become part of the growing revolution which can not only transform your garden plot but also change the way the world grows its food.
A Vegan Organic Network production.
Be part of the root’s revolution
Join the World Vegan Organic Map – free!
Eco Fest Manchester 2025
Eco Fest 2025 – Powered by the Sun & Good Vibes!
Hulme Park Saturday 24th May 11am-5pm
Free event in the park!
Talks and Vegan Cafe in the Zion Centre
Get ready for a festival that celebrates community, sustainability, and creativity! Eco Fest Manchester 2025 is a vibrant showcase of local talent, environmental groups, and eco-conscious living – all powered by renewable and positive energy!
Live Music on the Solar-Powered Stage – A fantastic lineup of local musicians will keep the good vibes flowing all day long!
Fun for All Ages – Walk the tightrope, spin a plate, juggle (all at once if you’re feeling brave!), and don’t forget to get your face painted first!
Try Something New – Join a yoga or tai chi session, relax at a gong bath, or hop on a pedal-powered rickshaw for a tour of the park.
Vegan Food Heaven – Feast on an incredible selection of vegan food, drinks, cakes, and treats from top local caterers.
Why Vegan? – This all-vegan event is a chance to explore why plant-based living is so important—not just for personal health but for the health of our planet. Learn how small changes can make a big impact!
Get Crafty – Try your hand at willow basket-making and other creative workshops (more details to come!).
Zapparelli Circus Workshop: Tightrope walking, unicycling, plate spinning, stilts, juggling, diablo.
Get Inspired! – Explore stalls from community groups and environmental charities, packed with info on how we can all make a difference for the planet.
Thought-Provoking Talks
12 midday: Writing Workshop with Culture Word: Create a group shape poem inspired by natural forms, plus write your personal pledge to the environment. Radhaika Kapur
1pm: How does manifestation really work? – What can I do to create a life of purpose, joy and abundance? In this practical talk, based on his new book, Giles Bryant shares 30 years of research to help you achieve the life of your dreams.
2pm: The Keys to Vitality: Superfoods & Medicinal Mushrooms Join Juliette Bryant for an inspiring journey into the world of superfoods and medicinal mushrooms. Discover how these powerful allies from nature can help you boost immunity, balance stress, enhance brain function, and support long-term wellbeing. From Reishi to Lion’s Mane, from spirulina to cacao – Juliette shares practical tips, ancient wisdom, and modern research to help you thrive in harmony with the Earth. Perfect for anyone seeking more energy, clarity, and natural ways to support their health in today’s world, with Juliette Bryant – Nutritionist, Author & Earth Wisdom Keeper. https://www.juliettebryant.com/
3pm: Introduction to Planet Friendly Gardening – Ready to make your garden greener? You will learn eco-friendly techniques to grow a thriving, nature-friendly garden. Learn about organic ways to feed your vegetables, fruits and herbs, how to encourage wildlife and discourage pests, and how you can contribute to a healthier planet by building soil and promoting biodiversity.
4pm: Solidarity in the City – How we are building an alternative to “business as usual”
Nic Prescott, Co-Operation Manchester
Workshops:
11am-1pm: Crafty Art with Z-arts
From 11.30am: Sprouting Workshop with the Growing Nature Academy- Discover the power of sprouting! Sprouts are packed with nutrients and can be easily grown at home using just a jar and a windowsill. Visit our stand to learn all about sprouting and sample a variety of delicious sprouts, including lentil, mung bean, chickpea, and broccoli sprouts. In our hands-on workshop, you fill a plant pot with soil, plant pre-sprouted marrowfat peas, and give them a good water. You take your pot home, place it on a sunny windowsill, and watch the sprouts grow—ready to harvest in just eight days!
Willow Weaving: Cherry Chung is a Manchester based basket maker and willow artist. She first learned how to make baskets in 1996, and mainly uses native materials such as willow, bark and rushes to make basketry, living installations and sculpture.
Live Music and Poetry
Calypso George and friends will be playing : African, Caribbean, and Mento music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyAriRi9n6E
Vegan Queen V: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AswnsXMHYY
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Want to get involved? We’re looking for stall holders, food vendors, volunteers, musicians, performers, and activities.
Be the Change! – Together, we can create a greener, kinder world!
Stay tuned for updates!
Get in touch if you want some fiers to give out or put in a shop.
Contact us at events@veganorganic.net or phone 07732733001 to be part of the action!
Eco Fest is being organised by the Vegan Organic Network (VON), if you would like to make a donation to support the event and the work of VON click here.
Thanks to our supporters:
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Veganic Gardeners Question Time Wednesday 26th February 2025
Ever wanted to know how to grow organically using only plant-based fertilisers? Our monthly show is here to help!
TBC will host an entertaining evening with some twenty-four carrot advice from Veganic Gardener Claire Turner, Veganic Horticultural tutor Than Gunabalasingham, and Veganic author Mathew Appleby.
Send your questions to: events@veganorganic.net
Wednesday 26th February 2025 7pm-7.45pm UK Time
Watch Free On YouTube
Mathew Appleby: Author and three time winner of the Garden Media Guild best journalist award, his latest book is The Super Organic Gardener – Everything You Need to Know About a Vegan Garden.
Claire Turner: Claire is a veganic gardener with a focus on perennial plants. Having grown up on a conventional farm, Claire’s journey to veganic growing has taken in many different approaches, from orcharding, to community food growing and working with young people, the food sovereignty movement, market gardening, community supported agriculture and forest gardening. It is in the veganic approach that Claire has found the most alignment with the value of non-violence. Currently training as a herbalist, Claire is especially interested in working with plants that offer medicinal support, as a vegan alternative to pharmaceuticals and the animal testing involved in the western medical system. Claire is currently establishing Ahimsa Apothecary Herbals @ahimsaapothecaryherbals.
Than Gunabalasingham: Than is a veganic horticultural tutor, forest gardener, forager and all round plant enthusiast. Having worked for some years in sustainable food policy research, he has turned to the land, creating and teaching about resilient food systems. Most of all he is passionate about indigenous earth wisdom, restoring wild spaces and creating edible landscapes that nourish all beings. He currently tutors with Organic Lea and The Orchard Project, and has recently co-founded Nourish the Wild with the intention of rekindling the spiritual dimension of working with plants, growing food, and healing our relationship to the land.
Veganic Gardeners’ Question Time hopes to inspire and bring new ideas to foragers, growers and gardeners alike.
Now more than ever it is vital that we engage with how our food is grown.
Tune into our show and become part of the growing revolution which can not only transform your garden plot but also change the way the world grows its food.
A Vegan Organic Network production.
Be part of the root’s revolution
Join the World Vegan Organic Map – free!
Veganic Gardeners Question Time 30th January 2025
Ever wanted to know how to grow organically using only plant-based fertilisers? Our monthly show is here to help!
Giles Bryant will host an entertaining evening with some twenty-four carrot advice from Veganic activist jaz boler, Veganic tutor Meg Kelly and Keith Robertson founder of the Scottish school of Herbal Medicine.
Send your questions to: events@veganorganic.net
Thursday 30th January 2025 7pm-7.45pm UK Time
Watch Free On YouTube
The panel
Show host is Giles Bryant founder of the World Healing Project ; Giles has been a keen gardener for 30 years. He has planted community orchards, forest gardens and medicinal herb areas at a variety of projects. He runs the World Healing Project, promoting wellbeing for people and the planet, and has just released an 8-year project, One World, which features musicians and singers from around the world. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClg3Cw1hvnNoiMHX3Vzn5rw
Veganic activist
jaz boler is an avid veganic gardener and activist for food justice, ethical veganism, and sustainability. She is the Vegan Programs Team Member of Food Empowerment Project and graduated from Appalachian State in 2023 with a degree in sustainable development, where she was instrumental in creating a vegan food justice class. Her love for veganic gardening stemmed as a child where she learned from her great grandmother. In addition, she created and launched a comprehensive guide called How To Grow Your Own Food that can be found https://foodispower.org/how-to-grow-your-own-food/ to encourage everyone to learn more about gardening that doesn’t involve animal products.
Learn Veganic
Meg Kelly is an avid veganic gardener. She co-founded the Veganic Agriculture Network in 2008 and teaches the Learn Veganic Online Gardening Course. Meg organised the Veganic Summit, a free 3-day online event about veganic gardening and farming. You can watch videos from the event by clicking the link below:
Scottish School of Herbal Medicine
Keith Robertson: Founder of the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine at Drimlabarra Herb Farm on the Isle of Arran. Established in 2000, the farm is run on Veganic/Stockfree lines combining vegan (100% vegetarian) and organic philosophy.
We are in effect, a Vegan sanctuary and retreat centre, dedicated to researching planetary health via herbal treatments, diet, cooking and raw food and practical hands-on green living. Our interest lies in community building and cooperation. People can participate through interactive learning including attendance at workshops, individual consultations, apprenticeships and open day visits.
Scottish School of Herbal Medicine Courses: visit www.veganherbal.com for details.
Veganic Gardeners’ Question Time hopes to inspire and bring new ideas to foragers, growers and gardeners alike.
Now more than ever it is vital that we engage with how our food is grown. Tune into our show and become part of the growing revolution which can not only transform your garden plot but also change the way the world grows its food.
A Vegan Organic Network production
Online VON World Map Meetup – December 18, 2024
We’re thrilled to invite you to a free online meetup exclusively for everyone registered on the Vegan Organic World Map!
🗓️ When: Wednesday, 18th December
⏰ Time: 7–8 PM UK Time | 2–3 PM Eastern Time
📍 Where: Join us on Zoom
Connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the globe and be part of this growing community!
Not on the map yet? No problem—sign up for free and get two free magazines.
Need help joining the map? We’re here to assist! For support, email: map@veganorganic.net
See you at the meetup!
VON AGM – 7:00 pm, Tuesday 19th November 2024
Join us for this year’s Annual General Meeting, featuring:
- Meg Kelly, talking about the Veganic Summit, a global online event proudly sponsored by VON. This year’s summit reached over 3,000 participants!
- Bob Rumanzi from the Vegan Village Society in Uganda, who will discuss the impactful work of his organisation and its collaboration with VON. Thanks to VON’s support, fifty women’s veganic growing groups received seeds and tools to cultivate vegetables for their local communities.
We will also provide updates on:
- The Growing Nature Academy
- Growing Green International Magazine
- The Vegan Organic World Map
- Stockfree Organic Standards
- Other relevant business matters
Come along to learn more about our initiatives, ask questions, or explore how you can get involved.
The meeting is open to all VON members. Membership starts at just £15 per year!
If you would like to join the meeting please email: events@veganorganic.net
Veganic Gardeners Question Time 27th November 2024
Ever wanted to know how to grow organically using only plant-based fertilisers? Our monthly show is here to help!
Giles Bryant will host an entertaining evening with some twenty-four carrot advice from veg grower Piers Warren, Veganic horticultural tutor Than Gunabalsingham and Forest gardener Addy Fern.
Send your questions to: events@veganorganic.net
Wednesday 27th November 2024 7pm-7.45pm UK Time
Watch Free On YouTube
Show host:
Giles Bryant – World Healing Project, Founder:Giles has been a keen gardener for 30 years. He has planted community orchards, forest gardens and medicinal herb areas at a variety of projects. He runs the World Healing Project, promoting wellbeing for people and the planet, and has just released an 8-year project, One World, which features musicians and singers from around the world. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClg3Cw1hvnNoiMHX3Vzn5rw
Piers Warren: Conservationist, author and keen grower of organic fruit and vegetables. He is the founder of Wildeye – The International School of Wildlife Film-making. Writer of several books and co-author of The Vegan Cook and Gardener.
More about Piers https://wildeye.co.uk/piers-warren/The Vegan Cook & Gardener https://veganorganic.net/product/vegan-cook-and-gardener/
Than Gunabalasingham: Than is a veganic horticultural tutor, forest gardener, forager and all round plant enthusiast. Having worked for some years in sustainable food policy research, he has turned to the land, creating and teaching about resilient food systems. Most of all he is passionate about indigenous earth wisdom, restoring wild spaces and creating edible landscapes that nourish all beings. He currently tutors with Organic Lea and The Orchard Project, and has recently co-founded Nourish the Wild with the intention of rekindling the spiritual dimension of working with plants, growing food, and healing our relationship to the land.
Addy Fern: Addy runs Plants for a Future a 28 acre forest garden in Cornwall, with perennial salad plants, fruiting trees and shrubs, oil-rich seed and root crops and there are a wide range of medicinal plants. The land was planted with native woodland in the early 1990’s and provides a haven for wild life. Plants for a Future run events and courses. https://plantsforafuture.theferns.info/
Veganic Gardeners’ Question Time hopes to inspire and bring new ideas to foragers, growers and gardeners alike.
Now more than ever it is vital that we engage with how our food is grown.
Tune into our show and become part of the growing revolution which can not only transform your garden plot but also change the way the world grows its food.
A Vegan Organic Network production.
Be part of the root’s revolution
Join the World Vegan Organic Map – free!
https://veganorganic.net/
Stay in touch
For any enquiries relating to membership (or changes of address if you’re a member) please contact the membership secretary at membership@veganorganic.net – see also our Join Us page for more info.
Otherwise please get in touch with the Vegan Organic Network for any queries you have about vegan organic growing, or for more info about how to get involved.